Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site offers explore the heritage buildings, exhibits, and programs.
Don't leave without...
- Explore the heritage buildings
- Exhibits
- Programs
- Events
- Activities
- Group Tours
- Photography
What To Bring
Overview
A scenic national historic site located on the banks of the Fraser River, featuring heritage buildings and exhibits that tell the stories of the oldest shipyard community in British Columbia.
Quick Facts
- Type
- national historic site
- Coordinates
- 49.1208, -123.1702
Good to know
- Hours & season
2026 Summer: May 16 to September 7, Open Daily: 10am-5pm; 2026 Fall: September 8 to October 5, Tuesdays to Sundays: 10am-5pm; 2026 Winter: October 6 to December 31, Fridays to Sundays: 10am-4pm; Closed on Statutory Holidays as of Oct 11, 2026
- Fees & reservations
No fee. as of Oct 11, 2026
Admission is free.
Free entry to heritage buildings.
- Getting there & parking
Located just minutes from the village centre of Steveston.
Located at 5180 Westwater Drive to the east of Steveston Village, the site may be accessed from the village by a 15-minute walk or 5-10 minutes by vehicle or bicycle.
Free parking in two lots and on the street. The paved parking lot located at the west entrance has marked accessible parking spaces. The gravel parking lot at the northeast entrance of the site has two electric vehicle charging ports for an hourly fee.
Parking lot surfaces — The parking lot to the west of the site is paved and offers accessible parking spaces. The parking lot to the northeast is gravel, and may be uneven.
- Facilities
- Free parking
- Accessible parking
- Electric vehicle charging ports
- Public accessible washrooms
Accessible washrooms — Public accessible washrooms are located in the northeast corner of the site, behind the historic stilt homes.
- Accessibility
Limited wheelchair accessibility.
The Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is an 8-acre outdoor site with a collection of heritage buildings that are all accessible except for the Chinese Bunkhouse, which has stairs leading to the second floor.
- Rules
Smoking policy — Smoking is not permitted in the park.
Service animals policy — Only service animals are allowed inside the heritage buildings.
Photography policy — Visitors are welcome to take interior photos provided no equipment is set up and the pathways are not blocked for others. For photo shoots inside any of the buildings, prior permission must be given.
- Safety & notices
Building closures — Due to unforeseen circumstances such as high tides or for maintenance, buildings may be closed. Please check site signage or call 604-238-8050 on day of visit to confirm which buildings are open.
- Contact
Contact — Phone: 604-238-8050, Email: britannia@richmond.ca
More details
About
- Site Description
- This site is the original location of early canning, fishing and boatbuilding operations.
- Site Features
- Arranged along a wooden boardwalk, the unique landscape and collection of heritage buildings tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in Steveston over the past 150 years.
Admission
- No food or drinks
- No food or drinks inside the heritage buildings.
More information
- Group Tours
- Tours are offered to suit a variety of groups. Call 604-238-8037 or email to discuss options available, or to inform staff in advance about planned self-guided groups.
Virtual 3D tours
- Virtual 3D tours
- To plan your visit in advance, or if you can’t make it in person, check out these virtual tours of our buildings.
Public Transit
- Public Transit
- From the Richmond-Brighouse Canada Line train station take bus #402, 401, 406, or 407 to the stop nearest Railway Ave. and Moncton St. From there, walk approximately 10 minutes to the site.
Bike racks
- Bike racks
- Bikes are not permitted on the wooden boardwalk. Please walk your bikes, or park them at bike racks in two locations: In front of Murakami House, and in front of the Administration Office.
Accessibility
- Boardwalk and flooring
- The wooden boardwalk and some of the wooden flooring inside the Britannia Shipyard, Seine Net Loft and Richmond Boat Builders may be uneven.
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